Various

I am back in France, got back on Friday. Was not so sad to leave Roma, it was way too hot. No need to go there in the summer. It was crowded, but so hot that people were not really jamming up the sites.

I flew EJ...they torture you about carrying one bag on the plane. I bought a bag that I could get my camera bag in plus all other stuff I would carry on. ...jewelry, electronics , make up, handbag...it was very heavy. I checked one bag. No charge.
Between the drive to the airport ( 1 hour) and all the hassle at the airport itself...2 hours later I'm waiting for a bus on the tarmac ( 100 degrees) ...to get on the plane....
It seemed to have taken 3-4 x the actual flight to go through the EJ experience. The flight is 55 minutes.

I really love Rome but the heat really put me off. The best part for me this time was the tour that I took with Context Travel...it was a tour of Imperial Rome by a very enthusiastic art historian.
I also took an interesting tour of a Domus under Villa Valentine. It was a bit processed for me...but very interesting. You tour over an archaeological site...and ancient house right next to Trajan's Column...it ends in an area that they thing might have been Trajan's temple. It's a new tour...kind of obscure...but interesting.
I love the place the I stay on Via Leonia. It's the perfect location for me. I had stayed in this particular apartment before, many years ago. It was kind of sad for me to be there again. In fact I unexpectedly ended up in a few places that caused me some flash backs...just when I least expected it.


The little house that I am staying in had another side....It's like one long house that is cut in 2. Mme. L. fixed the other side up extra nice so that she can rent it out in the summer. She put a lot of effort into decoration. It has it's own private pool. There will be people staying there for the next 6 weeks or so. The first couple arrived on Saturday. I feel uncomfortable about the whole thing. My bedroom is up against the bedroom in the other house. It feels too close for me. I may move my bed to the main room for these 2 months.
It's funny, but I just paid her for 6 months rent...a boat load of money...but I can't use the pool.  I can only use the pool when there are no guests staying here.

This morning, the dogs and I went down to The Loup, early to swim. It was not very crowded. We found a place to go in the water. The current was very strong, but I know Kate can manage it. I got into the water up to my thighs. It was cold, but you get used to it. I throw sticks and Kate swims out for them. Eventually, it gets too cold for Emile, his teeth are chattering. It's so beautiful there...the water is so clean and clear. I have yet to see a fish. I would get in if I could find a deep pool. Maybe tomorrow.